Locust Borer (Megacyllene robiniae)
Beetles are some of the most fascinating, numerous, and diverse creatures. They have varying habits, diets, sizes, and color patterns. The subject of this post will be the Locust Borer, Megacyllene robiniae. This species is often confused with a species of moth which shares its name. The moth feeds on the same plant, Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia).
The Locust Borer is seen in fall, where lots of goldenrod is present. It is a wasp mimic, mimicking wasps such as yellowjackets, hornets, and European Paper Wasps.
Locust Borers are patterned with yellow stripes, on a black body, enhancing the wasp mimicry.
The Locust Borer larvae bore into the wood of live Black Locust, and it takes almost a year for them to emerge as adults. The adults then spend about 2 months at goldenrods, mating, and laying eggs, for the process to repeat itself. They sometimes visit other flower species for nectar, however goldenrod is the primary one.
More photos (I've taken lots):
View of Locust Borer from the side.
The view that would-be attackers usually see.
This one's grooming itself.
What the underside of one looks like.
The species bears facial markings similar to those of actual wasps.
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